Sydney Harbour Bridge: Fascinating Facts & Your Iconic Climbing Adventure
As proud custodians of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, we offer an exceptional guided tour that brings Sydney's rich history and the Bridge's stunning architecture to life. Our BridgeClimb experiences take you on a fascinating journey along the Bridge’s iconic arches, where knowledgeable guides share captivating stories and insights. At the Summit, you'll be treated to unparalleled 360-degree views of Sydney, making this tour a truly unforgettable way to explore one of the world's most famous landmarks.
sydney harbour bridge facts
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is more than just a steel structure connecting two sides of a city - it's a symbol of Australia's proud heritage, a masterpiece of engineering, and a bucket-list experience for travellers from all around the world. Whether you're a local Sydneysider or an international visitor planning your trip Down Under, the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers a blend of history, breathtaking views, and unforgettable experiences.
On this page, we'll dive deep into the Bridge's fascinating facts and history, uncovering everything from its construction to our exhilarating BridgeClimb experiences. Get ready to be inspired to book your climb and create once-in-a-lifetime memories on this iconic landmark!
historical facts
construction timeline
The Sydney Harbour Bridge carries a captivating history of its construction that continues to fascinate both locals and visitors from around the globe. Affectionately known as "The Coathanger," construction of the iconic steel-arched bridge began in 1923 and took over eight years to complete, officially opening on 19 March, 1932. Check out the full construction timeline and history here.
The construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge breathed new life into the city by providing jobs during the Great Depression. The Bridge was designed by innovative British engineer Sir Ralph Freeman and constructed by Dorman Long and Co Ltd, a British firm known for their expertise in large-scale projects. Chief engineer John Bradfield, credited as the "father" of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, was instrumental in overseeing the entire project here in Sydney. Together with a team of over 1,400 workers, they constructed what would become one of the most recognised landmarks in the world.
milestones and events
The opening day of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was an eventful day to say the least. Right before the official ribbon-cutting by New South Wales Premier Jack Lang, a disgruntled citizen, and member of the New Guard of Australia, named Captain Francis De Groot, rode through the ceremony on horse-back and sliced the ribbon with a sword, claiming the honour for himself. Despite this brief interruption, the Bridge quickly became a beloved symbol of Sydney and Australia. If you're interested in more stories like this, check out our video series 'Bridging History' on YouTube.
The Bridge has seen many milestones including, the opening of BridgeClimb in October 1998, when we officially welcomed our first groups of Climbers to experience the Bridge from a whole new perspective. More recently, its 90th anniversary in March 2022, when the city celebrated with free music concerts, pop-up art galleries and a spectacular light show. Over the years, it has been the backdrop for countless events, from New Year's Eve fireworks to charity runs and the Walk for Reconciliation in 2000.
STRUCTURAL FACTS
key stats
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an awe-inspiring structure, and the engineering behind the construction was groundbreaking for its time. Key dimensions and statistics for the Bridge include:
- It spans 1,149 metres (3,770 feet) in length
- The arch spans 503 metres (1,650 feet) - making it the second largest steel arch bridge in the world
- It stands at 134 metres (440 feet) above sea level at its highest point (the Summit!)
- 272,000 litres of paint were used in its initial three coats - enough to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool!
- Comprises of over 550,000 individual pieces of steel that are held together by 6 million hand-driven rivets
- Weighs approximately 52,000 tonnes - that’s equivalent to 7 Eiffel Towers, 153 Boeing 747s, or 19,260 Asian elephants!
One of the most impressive aspects of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is its method of construction. The two halves of the arch were built outwards from each side of the harbour, meeting in the middle with precision. The process involved innovative techniques, including the use of giant creeper cranes and the meticulous calculation of temperature and stress to ensure the perfect fit. To ensure the Bridge could withstand Sydney's weather conditions, engineers designed it to rise or fall up to 18 centimetres depending on the temperature. It's a marvel of engineering technique and innovation, still admired by engineers today.
Discover more about the Bridge's History at the Pylon Lookout & Museum.
DID YOU KNOW?
Here's a few of our favourite fun and quirky facts about the Sydney Harbour Bridge:
- The Bridge’s Iconic Grey Coat: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is famously painted in a shade known as "Harbour Bridge Grey." While this iconic grey colour is instantly recognisable today, the choice was originally made for practical reasons rather than aesthetics. During the Bridge’s construction, grey paint was selected because it was the only colour available in the massive quantities required, leftover from World War I. Over the years, the Bridge has been consistently repainted in this unique shade, maintaining its distinctive look.
- An Elephant Walked Across It: Yes, you read that right! In 1932, as part of a parade organised for the opening of Luna Park, an elephant walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The spectacle drew massive crowds and remains a memorable event in the Bridge’s history.
- It’s a Magnet for Proposals: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the most popular places in Australia for marriage proposals. Hundreds of couples get engaged on the Bridge every year, making it a symbol of love as well as engineering excellence. The breathtaking views from the top certainly help set the mood!
record breaking achievements
The Sydney Harbour Bridge has been the backdrop for countless significant events including the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks displays that are broadcast around the globe. Here's a few of our favourite world-record achievements:
- World First DJ set at the Summit: International DJ and superstar Diplo held an exclusive world-first performance at the Summit in October 2019 to celebrate our 21st birthday!
- Sydney Olympic Games: In 2000, the Bridge became a global symbol of unity when it displayed a massive "Eternity" sign during the Sydney Olympics.
- Highest Number of Climbers Ever: In May 2014 BridgeClimb history was made, when 340 Climbers stood on the Bridge filling the iconic arches, each holding a flag from their respective country - smashing two world-records at one time! This incredible moment recorded both the most people and flags to be on the Bridge at one time - an initiative conducted by Rotary International to end polio.
now COME AND CLIMB IT!
Want to know more about this fascinating history and get up close and personal with our beloved Bridge? Join us on a guided ascent to the top of the famous arches. Since 1998, BridgeClimb has welcomed over 4.5 million people to experience Sydney's top attraction. Whether you're a seasoned Climber or a first-timer, we offer an unforgettable journey to the Summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and beyond.
OUR CLIMBS
We have four Climb experiences to choose from, all reaching the Summit, running at Dawn, Day, Twilight and Night. Climbs include the original Summit Climb, the Summit Insider Climb - a faster journey to the top along the lower arch, the Burrawa Aboriginal Storytelling Climb, and the full arch-span adventure - the Ultimate Climb. If you're ready to experience the unforgettable journey of conquering the Summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, get up to scratch on how to Plan Your Visit to BridgeClimb, Compare our Climb options, and be sure to book in advance to secure your ideal Climb.
CLIMBER SAFETY
Climber safety and Bridge security is our top priority. We care about the Bridge and the safety of everyone who uses it, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and of course, our Climbers! To participate in a BridgeClimb you need to have a general level of health and fitness, and the ability to climb stairs and ladders (if choosing the Summit Climb) independently. Read more about Climber Safety here to understand our minimum requirements to climb the Bridge.
experience the unforgettable
Visitor Information
How to Get to the Sydney Harbour Bridge AND BRIDGECLIMB
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is easily accessible by public transport, including trains, buses, and ferries. The BridgeClimb Base is located at 3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, a short walk from Circular Quay.
If you're coming from the city center, it's just a short walk from Circular Quay or Wynyard Station. Alternatively, you can catch a bus or ferry to nearby stops. If you’re driving, street parking is available in the surrounding areas. To find out how to get to BridgeClimb, watch our video below, or read our Sydney Harbour Bridge walk guide.
watch our how to get to bridgeclimb video
Best Times to Visit
The best time to visit the Sydney Harbour Bridge depends on your preferred experience. Dawn and Twilight Climbs offer stunning views of the magical sunrise or golden hour, while Night Climbs provide a glimpse of Sydney’s illuminated skyline.
Sydney's temperate climate makes the Harbour Bridge a year-round destination. However, the best times to visit are during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Accessibility Information
BridgeClimb is committed to providing an inclusive experience. While the climb involves physical activity, there are accommodations for those with special needs or mobility concerns. Visitors are encouraged to contact BridgeClimb ahead of time to discuss any specific requirements. Additionally, the Sydney Harbour Bridge pedestrian walk way is accessible to pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists, making it an ideal location for everyone to enjoy.
CLIMBER REVIEWS AND TESTIMONIALS
BRIDGECLIMB FAQS
- How long does a BridgeClimb tour take?
Depending on the Climb chosen, a BridgeClimb experience lasts between 2.5 to 3.5 hours from check-in to return to Base. - Is the BridgeClimb safe for all ages?
Yes, BridgeClimb is safe for participants aged 8 and above. Safety is a top priority, and all Climbers will go through a thorough briefing process before the Climb. - What should I wear for my BridgeClimb?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. We will provide you with all other necessary gear, including a climb suit, hat, safety harness and other accessories based on the day's weather conditions. - Can I take photos during the BridgeClimb?
No, unfortunately not. Climbers cannot take loose objects, including cameras, phones or GoPros, due to government security requirements for the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Our Climb Leaders are trained with premium photography equipment to make sure they capture this special memory for you.
Have another question about making a booking, safety requirements or the climb experience? Check out our full FAQs for all the answers!
Ready to conquer the Sydney Harbour Bridge?
Create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime and book your BridgeClimb experience today. Make sure to take advantage of our special offers or check out what's on when you're in Sydney. Whether you're after a Day Climb, Twilight adventure, or a unique Aboriginal cultural experience, there's something for everyone.
